He offers blessings to the astronauts and prayers to Kelly

Published 5:30 am, Saturday, May 21, 2011

Video feeds in Mission Control at Johnson Space Center show Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican talking with astronauts on the International Space Station.

Video feeds in Mission Control at Johnson Space Center show Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican talking with astronauts on the International Space Station.

Photo: Nathan Lindstrom, Chronicle

Benedict makes first-ever papal call to space

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The first-ever call to space by a pope came through "loud and clear" on Saturday, as Pope Benedict XVI commended astronauts for their courage, blessed them and extended special prayers to shuttle commander Mark Kelly, whose wife, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, is recovering from a gunshot wound to the head.

From space, "I think it must be obvious to you that we all live together on this earth and how absurd it is that we fight and kill," said Benedict, speaking from the Vatican to the International Space Station, where the space shuttle Endeavour docked Wednesday during its final mission. "I know that Mark Kelly's wife was the victim of a serious attack, and I hope that her health continues to improve."

Johnson Space Center in Houston coordinated the call, planned by the Vatican and the European Space Agency. Benedict addressed a dozen American, Italian and Russian astronauts, acknowledging the scientific advancements, international cooperation and global unity fostered by their work.

DiNardo leads group

Cardinal Daniel DiNardo and Catholic leaders from the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston watched the Holy Father's message live from Mission Control in Houston along with astronauts' families and some of the agency's Catholic employees.

Even though Benedict read prepared remarks and questions during the 20-minute call, "you could see a little twinkle in his eye over what's going on," DiNardo said. He thanked NASA for hosting the archdiocese's 40-plus group for the historic occasion, the latest milestone in the church's centuries-old interest in astronomy that has inspired dozens of Catholics to join NASA's ranks.

"They say there's no atheists in foxholes, but there's probably no atheists in rockets," said Catholic astronaut Col. Mike Good, who said his belief in God as creator was solidified by the awe-inspiring views he saw from space. On one of his missions, more than half of his crew were members of the church.

NASA employees and former astronauts fill pews at the Catholic churches near Johnson Space Center, where pastors lead prayers for shuttle launches and cater to their space-loving parishes.

"The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston has a special appreciation for all the people who work in the space program," said DiNardo. "As the space shuttle program comes to a close, the archdiocese is appreciative of the opportunity to join our Holy Father in commending the tireless work of NASA employees and affirming, as St. Paul says, 'Christ fills all the heavens.' "

Churches bring pictures of God's creation into their worship — like the Hubble images depicted in stained glass windows at St. Paul the Apostle in Nassau Bay - and astronauts bring symbols of their church into space.

Spiritual voyages

Johnson Space Center spokesman James Hartsfield said that religious objects are among the most common personal items taken into space by NASA astronauts.

Mike Massimino, who traveled on two spaceflights, carried a small Vatican flag and a Mass card with Benedict's photo, which he later presented to the pope.

"I prayed a lot. I just prayed for everything to work out," said Massimino, a parishioner at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church in Clear Lake. "It made me feel closer to God."

Fellow astronauts have brought up Christian music, crucifixes, relics and icons of saints.

"NASA people are more faith-filled, and this is their vocation," said Matt Walden, a worship leader who has worked at St. Paul's. "They have a position that pastors don't have and can talk about the glory of God's creation as seen from space," noting that a number of NASA's Christians have used their careers as vehicles for ministry.

Its shakeup with Galileo aside, the Catholic Church has historically affirmed astronomy and space exploration as a means to better know the universe, believed to be wholly good, majestic and made by God.

The Vatican operates an observatory outside of Rome, one of the world's oldest, as well as one in Tucson, Ariz. A number of early astronomers, like Copernicus, were also Catholic clerics.

The church recognizes scientific research on the age and expanse of the universe, and Catholic teachings often prompt believers to learn more about the mysteries of creation, theologians say.

"The church is very open to scientific discoveries, and the Bible gives us a guide to interpret whatever science discovers," said the Rev. Brendan Cahill, former rector of St. Mary's Seminary in Houston. "God has created the human person with the knowledge and curiosity to do this, to go to space. It affirms our Catholic faith."